Vol. 128 (2015): Proceedings of the Florida State Horticultural Society
Krome Memorial Institute (Tropicals)

Preliminary Studies on In Vitro Propagation of Camu-Camu (<i>Myrciaria dubia</i>), an Important Medicinal Plant

Maria C. R. Araujo
Universidade Federal de Roraima
Wagner A. Vendrame
University of Florida
Edvan A. Chagas
Embrapa CPAFRR Roraima
Maria Izabel Garcia Ribeiro
Universidade Federal de Roraima
Rosemary Vilaca
Embrapa CPAFRR Roraima

Published 2019-04-19

Abstract

Camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia) belongs to the Myrtaceae family and is a small tree, found on the margins of rivers and lakes, which is native to the Amazon region. This species has great nutritional value, mainly due to the high levels of potassium and ascorbic acid (vitamin C), with values ranging from 1000–6000 mg/100 g in its pulp. In spite of its economic importance, little is known about the aspects of propagation of camu-camu, particularly in vitro multiplica­tion, which could significantly increase yields. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop a feasible system for in vitro multiplication of camu-camu using somatic embryogenesis. Different concentrations of a cytokinin and an auxin in two different media were evaluated. Embryogenic callus was induced from leaf and stem explants on either Murashige and Skoog (MS) or Woody Plant Media (WPM) medium, supplemented with various concentra­tions of 2,4-dichorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) (0, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 mg·L-1) along with Benzylaminopurine (BAP) (0, 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 mg·L-1). Preliminary results showed induction of embryogenic tissues on WPM medium with higher concentrations of 2,4-D and BAP, and using stem segments as the source of explants.